PRESS RELEASE: No Major Surprises in Middle Distance Qualifiers

The favourites easily navigated their way to the final from the middle distance qualifiers at Tahko in Kuopio on Tuesday. All orienteers from Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Switzerland secured their places in the final. Additionally, five out of six Estonian orienteers made it to the final.

Both men and women had three qualifying heats in the challenging terrains of Tahkovuori. The men’s heat winners were Matthias Kyburz, Fabian Aebersold and Kasper Harlem Fosser. The women’s heat winners were Natalia Gemperle, Simona Aebersold and Venla Harju.

The top 15 from each qualifying heat advanced to the final. Additionally, each country is guaranteed at least one competitor in the final. The middle distance final will be held on Wednesday in Neulaniemi, Kuopio.

Finland’s head coach, multiple world champion Thierry Guergiou, reminded that Wednesday’s final terrain will differ significantly from the qualifying terrain.

Top three in the qualifying heats:

Men’s Heat 1

1. Matthias Kyburz, Switzerland
2. Eetu Savolainen, Finland
3. Timo Sild, Estonia

Men’s Heat 2

1. Fabian Aebersold, Switzerland
2. Topi Syrjäläinen, Finland
3. Jannis Bonek, Austria

Men’s Heat 3

1. Kasper Harlem Fosser, Norway
2. Lauri Sild, Estonia
3. Zefa Faavae, New Zeeland

Women’s Heat 1

1. Natalia Gemperle, Switzerland
2. Evely Kaasiku, Estonia
3. Tove Alexandersson, Sweden

Women’s Heat 2

1. Simona Aebersold, Switzerland
2. Marie Olaussen, Norway
3. Lucie Dittrichova, Czech Republic

Women’s Heat 3

1. Venla Harju, Finland
2. Andrine Benjaminsen, Norway
3. Sara Hagstrom, Sweden

All results: https://online.tulospalvelu.fi/tulokset-new/en/2025_wocmq/